In a groundbreaking achievement, 22-year-old Madison Marsh, a second lieutenant in the US Air Force, has become the Miss America 2024. The historic win makes her the first active-duty Air Force officer to secure the prestigious national title.
The Miss America pageant, held in Orlando, Florida, saw Marsh competing against 51 contestants representing all 50 US states, along with the District of Columbia. Ellie Breaux of Texas emerged as the first runner-up in the beauty pageant.
Madison Marsh, also the winner of Miss Colorado 2023, showcased her military credentials during the questionnaire round, emphasizing her commitment to learning and leading “with passion.” She shared her personal motivation, revealing that her mother’s battle with pancreatic cancer, which ended in 2018, inspired her to establish the Whitney Marsh Foundation. The foundation aims to raise funds for cancer research.
Graduating from the US Air Force Academy in 2023, Marsh is currently pursuing a master’s degree in public policy at the Harvard Kennedy School. The Miss America title adds another milestone to her impressive career, marking the first time an active-duty Air Force officer has claimed the prestigious honor.
During the event, the 2023 Miss America winner, Grace Stanke of Wisconsin, passed the crown to Madison Marsh. The US Air Force celebrated the achievement on social media, posting, “Congratulations to our very own #Airman, 2nd Lt Madison Marsh, aka Miss Colorado — who was just crowned @MissAmerica 2024! Marsh is the first active-duty servicemember to ever win the title.”
Madison’s triumph not only brings recognition to her personal achievements but also breaks new ground in the Miss America legacy by honoring an active-duty military officer with the coveted national title.
Sources By Agencies
